Freeze debt and begin government cuts

Monday

Jul 25, 2011 at 12:01 AMSep 10, 2014 at 9:41 AM

To the Editor:

I suppose most thinking Americans have some understanding of the dilemma we face with our federal debt and deficit spiraling out of control. Having said that, I ask for readers to be intellectually honest and look at the matter objective

To the Editor:

I suppose most thinking Americans have some understanding of the dilemma we face with our federal debt and deficit spiraling out of control. Having said that, I ask for readers to be intellectually honest and look at the matter objectively, putting aside selfish interests and political loyalties.

Long ago, the several states signed a contract establishing a federal government, one in which power is shared between the states and the united government. This new structure was limited to 17 specific powers listed in Article One - Section 8 of the Constitution. The powers and liberties left to the states and the people were open ended and more numerous than the federal government, as spelled out in the 9th and 10th Amendments. Clearly, the primary purpose of the new entity was to help provide an adequate defense against invasion and to form a more perfect union.

Over the years, ideologues and political opportunists from both big parties have greatly expanded the size of the federal government to the point of self-destruction. The original contract bears little resemblance to the beast that emerged over the years from its humble beginning.

Like a sailing vessel caught in a great storm that begins to take on water, the captain orders non-essential items to be thrown overboard to lighten the load and increase buoyancy. The decision over what is non-essential must be made quickly, and each item jettisoned brings hardship or loss to someone. Such actions, most likely, will save the crew, the ship and the most essential cargo.

America is in a financial storm and Washington must decide what to eject from her holds. The vessel has been overloaded far beyond its maximum capacity. We are taking on water and sinking lower with each series of government borrowing. Some at the helm want to add even more to the debt burden and this must end. In calm seas, sailing was deceptively smooth; however, the tumult of the tempest has exposed our perilous condition brought on by prodigal overspending and flawed ideology.

The federal government was not designed to take care of people. It was never established to provide a safety net for all, nor do its blueprints allow tolerances to handle the weight of providing retirement and health insurance for all. The federal government was not created with the mission or expectation to police the world or fight global wars of conquest. Controlling almost every aspect of human life and business was not a design feature of the wisely drawn up plan that established the United States. Washington has taken on these burdens, regardless, and brought the government to the brink of capsizing.

If our ship sinks, what will be of the people? What of those coveted government checks and various forms of subsidies, and the haughtiness that comes from invading another weaker nation? All will be lost including our beloved ship. When the rescue vessel comes along to retrieve the battered survivors, what kind of ship will this be? Is this not the outcome that the Marxist-Leninists hope for?

God has ordained that families, friends and the Church step in to help during times of crisis. Person to person benevolence brings genuine appreciation for the gift and strengthens the needy's sense of responsibility. Government handouts foster an attitude of dependence and entitlement. Furthermore, since God has condemned avaricious wars of aggression, especially under false pretenses, the Constitution makes no provision for it either. Congress should cut what is not authorized by the law, and the law that trumps all laws, politically speaking, is the Constitution and Bill of Rights. You may have said you trusted in God. Well, here's a challenge. Let's be courageous and chose to authentically trust God who will provide, instead of the counterfeit - the nanny state with its corrupt, collapsing system.

John K Rooney

Tri-Cities Liberty

Alliance

Petersburg

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